Arjo Wiggins Fine Papers Ltd (Stoneywood Mill)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 6 June 2019.

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Photo of Mark McDonald Mark McDonald Independent

The Deputy First Minister will be aware that the administrators for Stoneywood mill have ended their discussions with the preferred bidder and the sale is no longer being taken forward.

Although that is, understandably, a major disappointment, a management buyout has emerged as a potential means of securing the future of the business and the workforce. I plan to meet management tomorrow. I understand that the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills is meeting management today, and I am advised that Scottish Enterprise is offering on-going support.

Will the Deputy First Minister say whether the support that the Scottish Government can and will provide extends to financial support? Will the Scottish Government consider making a statement in the Parliament that sets out the support that has been provided to date and the steps that will be taken to help to secure the future of a profitable business and a skilled and dedicated workforce?

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

Mr McDonald’s final point is the most significant one: Stoneywood mill is a profitable site and there is a skilled workforce there. In the Government’s view, it is perfectly possible for a viable business proposition to be made. That is why the business minister was at Stoneywood this morning for discussions, and it is why Scottish Enterprise is deeply engaged in all the issues.

I give Mr McDonald and the Parliament the assurance that the Government is doing everything that it can do, with our agencies, to ensure that all possible support can be made available. We have to operate within the normal rules and context, with which Mr McDonald will be familiar, but I assure him that absolutely everything that can be done to safeguard the future of the plant will be done.

It has been a disappointment that the discussions with the preferred bidder have concluded. However, there are active discussions about a management buyout and the business minister will be happy to update the Parliament, in due course, on the steps that are being taken to resolve the situation and give certainty to the workforce of the paper mill at Stoneywood.